Kids and caffeine – what’s the issue?

Caffeine consumption is a regular occurrence throughout the world, most often daily for those who enjoy an early morning coffee. However, the number of young caffeine consumers is on the rise – what are the risks?

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound found in the leaves and fruits of certain plants, most commonly found in coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks.

As a stimulant, caffeine acts on the brain and nervous system and is the most commonly consumed psychoactive (affecting the mind or moods) drug globally.

Like many other drugs, it is possible to develop a tolerance to caffeine, which means ever-greater doses are needed to achieve the same effect.

“Caffeine is becoming more prevalent in a variety of food and beverages in today’s society. Surprisingly foods such as chocolate, ice cream and even some lollies, like gummy bears, now contain caffeine,” said Dr Ryan Harvey from House Call Doctor.

What are the effects of caffeine?

Caffeine is defined as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system. It affects kids and adults similarly and, at lower levels, can make people feel more alert and energetic.

Foods and drinks with caffeine are everywhere, but it’s wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids.

In both kids and adults, too much caffeine can cause:

jitters and nervousness

an upset stomach

headaches

difficulty concentrating

trouble sleeping

faster heart rate

higher blood pressure.

Especially in young children, it doesn’t take a lot of caffeine to produce these effects.

Health problems caffeine can cause

Caffeine is most often found in sugary, sweetened drinks, such as soda (also known as soft drink). American data from nationwide health audits indicate that nearly three-quarters of US children consume caffeine, with the most common source being soft drinks (including energy drinks).

The empty calories often found in these drinks results in children lacking key vitamins and minerals they need. Kids who drink one or more sweetened soft drink per day are 60 per cent more likely to be obese.

Tooth decay

Apart from caffeine content, these sugary drinks – in fact any carbonated drinks – are high in tooth-damaging acid. Compared to adults, children are more vulnerable to tooth decay as their saliva is less effective at rinsing the teeth and their tooth enamel is softer. Too many sweetened, caffeinated drinks could lead to dental cavities from high sugar content, and the erosion of tooth enamel from acidity.

Sleeping

Caffeine is a stimulant and thus can interfere with sleeping patterns, resulting in trouble sleeping. Kids need a lot of sleep, with the National Sleep Foundation recommending 9-11 hours for children aged 6-13 years old and 8-10 hours for teens aged 14-17 years.

How much caffeine is too much?

Major health organizations like the American Academy of Paediatrics suggest children under the age of 12 years should not eat or drink any foods or drinks which contain caffeine.

“An alarming increase in the number of energy drinks available has seen the rise of a new form of energy drink offering double the amount of caffeine, in cans half the size,” Dr Harvey said.

“This is particularly concerning for teens as many energy drinks are marketed towards that age bracket.”

For children older than 12 years, caffeine intake should fall in the range of no more than 85 to 100 milligrams per day.

Tips to limit your child’s intake of caffeine

Keeping your child’s caffeine consumption down may seem impossible with more and more foods containing the stimulant, however the best way to reduce intake is to cut back slowly.

The vital key is trying to deter kids from soda – instead offer water, 100 per cent fruit juice, milk or even smoothies.

You can still allow the occasional soda — just make sure it’s decaffeinated. Keep an eye out for hidden caffeine by checking the ingredient list on foods and beverages.

Not only will you lower your child’s caffeine intake, you will also lower the risk of obesity. The earlier obesity begins in childhood, the more likely it is to follow in adulthood.